Third teenager, 17, dies in horror Penkridge crash as devastated family pays tribute to the ‘best big sister’
A THIRD teenager has died after a crash in Penkridge - with her devastated family paying tribute to the "best big sister".
Sophie Bates, 17, from Stafford, was sitting on the backseat of a Ford Ka when the collision happened on Cannock Road on Saturday (May 25).
She was taken to hospital for treatment. Tragically, she died as a result of her injuries on May 28.
Her family are being supported by specialist officers at this difficult time.
Two teenage boys, who also died in the collision, have been named as Dafydd Hûw Craven-Jones, 18, of Tanyfron, Wrexham, and Morgan Jones, 17, of Coedpoeth, Wrexham.
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Another 17-year-old girl is still in hospital in a stable condition.
Staffordshire Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision.
The teenagers were travelling on the Cannock Road, Penkridge, in a Ford Ka.
Dafydd Hûw was "helping" his friend at the time of the crash, his devastated family has said.
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They added that he was a "beautiful soul, a wonderful son, brother, uncle, grandson and family member to all that knew him."
A statement from his family continued: "Dafydd was the kindest loving person you could wish to meet, he had his special ways and was different to anyone else.
"Everyone loved him, the baby of the family. Daf would do anything for anyone, albeit moan if he had to tidy his bedroom.
"He loved his friends more than life itself, and disastrously, this led to his early departure from this world whilst helping a friend on this dreadful night.
"We can take solace that Dafydd would always go out of his way to help his friends.
"We just want to thank his friends for all the wonderful messages and memories they have shared of him and that his short life was filled with lots of love and happiness.
"We ask that our privacy is respected at this sad time. But we thank everyone for their kind messages of support."
Morgan, who was from Coedpoeth in Wrexham, has been described by his devastated loved ones as a keen sportsman and "passionate about farming".
He had just secured a place at an agricultural college and was "loved by everybody."
His family said: "Our loving son and grandson, Morgan, was a kind caring and loving young man who we were so proud of.
"He was an outdoor person who excelled in rugby, cricket, horse riding and show jumping.
"He will be sadly missed by all his rugby, cricket and equestrian family and his family and friends. He was passionate about farming and had secured a place at an agricultural college.
"He was a very popular young man and was loved by everybody. You will be forever missed, Mum, Dad, Taid and Aunt."
Tributes have also been pouring in online from well-wishers.
One wrote: "Such a sad time, three young lives lost I cannot imagine how the families and friends must be feeling.
"I hope the surviving girl gets all the help she will need to get through this difficult time."
Another said: "This is heartbreaking beyond words.
"Three young lives now lost. Sending love and strength to all their friends and family at this sad time.
"Also wishing the other young girl a speedy recovery. She’s going to need a lot of love and support around her."
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While a third wrote: "Tragic, so young. Be at peace lovely people."
Anyone who may have seen the collision, or the vehicle prior to the collision, can email [email protected], call 101 quoting incident number 813 of 25 May, or message the force using Live Chat on their website.
